Putting Bunbury on the map with overnight rest areas

This summer the City of Bunbury will begin trialling overnight rest areas in a bid to attract self-contained recreational vehicle (RV) users to the region.

The City has recognised the growing trend in RVs and the need for alternative accommodation options.

To capitalise on this opportunity the City has been investigating potential overnight rest areas in Bunbury.

At present there are a number of locations attracting people to illegally stay overnight in Bunbury and the City hopes that by providing designated areas, this activity can be better managed and monitored.

They will also attract more people to spending a night or two in the City.

The three locations identified as potential overnight rest areas for the trial are:

Wyalup Rocky Point pull-over bays

Ocean Drive car park (adjacent to Scott Street)

Maiden’s Reserve car park

Only self-contained vehicles will be allowed to pull up at the rest areas – tents or vehicles that are not fully self-contained will not be allowed.

All vehicles that do not meet the fully self-contained criteria will be provided with a list of local caravan parks and asked to relocate to one of these to stay.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the trial if endorsed by Council, will be piloted for two years beginning in summer 2018.

“This market segment – often referred to as grey nomads – spend much of their year travelling Australia providing both economic and social benefits to the cities and towns they visit,” Mayor Brennan said.

“We are missing out on this fantastic opportunity so over the trial period the City will carefully monitor impacts to the community and seek to measure the benefits added to the city.

“Prior to the trial we are keen to hear any encouragement or concerns community members may have about the project.”

Community members who would like to give any feedback on the project can do so by emailing records@bunbury.wa.gov.au, in writing to PO Box 21, Bunbury WA 6231 or delivered to the Administration Building at, 4 Stephen Street, Bunbury, no later than 5pm Tuesday 9 October.

For more information about the locations identified or overnight rest areas, please contact Kristen Mildwaters, Lands Officer on 9792 7242.